CLE's from Former Kentucky Basketball Coaches
About a year ago I posted on fired Kentucky coach Billy Gillespie’s claims against the school related to their alleged failure to honor a letter of intent. Now, former UK coach Tubby Smith is on the losing end of a lawsuit involving somewhat similar legal theories. Apparently, the plaintiff quit his job based on representations by Mr. Smith that Mr. Smith would hire him as an assistant coach at Minnesota. Unfortunately for the plaintiff, the job never materialized. Unfortunately for Mr. Smith (or more likely the University through insurance) the jury found for the plaintiff and awarded him $1.25 Million. As with the Gillespie matter, the legal lesson to be learned form this former UK hoops coach is that it is wise to clarify in some form of writing whether something is a “binding agreement/offer” or simply a “letter of intent.” Otherwise, someone else will make the decision for you.
